Spring Break 2011 - Part 1

Here are a ton of pictures of our trip in the White Mountains for spring break this year. We took ALL the kids for three nights and four days on a ski and snow machine trip in the White Mountains,outside of Fairbanks. We had a great time and it felt so good to finally get out and be outside after a long and sickly February cooped up. We bought a snow machine two days before our trip and used it to it's fullest. It was also the only way we were ever going to realistically do this trip. If it helps us get outside then it's a necessity for me! We started out with the first cabin seven miles in, Lee's Cabin. Jeff took the first load of gear while I started skiing with ALL the kids, girls skiing, boys in chariot. It took Jeff two loads, latter crammed into one, and the girls and I skied for two and a half hours. They were such champs because the wind was howling that first day and made it cold if you ever tried to stop. The boys did good for the most part and didn't start crying until the last half hour. At that point Jeff showed up and took the girls to the cabin and then came back and got the boys and I and we hooked the chariot to the snow machine. Once inside the cabins and warm every one's spirits improved and we had fun playing, eating, and hanging out. Getting ready to leave Lee's cabin after the first night and head to the next cabin, seven miles away, where we were spending the next two nights.

Kids hanging out in the loft which it only took about five minutes to ban from the boys. Not only was it completely nerve racking thinking they were going to fall but they also thought it was lots of fun to throw all our gear being stored up there over the edge.

As a result they were banned to the main level, which again only took us about five minutes to realize we then had to clear everything off the table and shelves in reach of the boys. They did great but there was very rarely any down time with these two awake!

Jeff managed the second day to get all our gear into one load so he only had to make one trip.

The second day skiing to the next cabin was beautiful with no wind and the girls and I had a great ski. Again champs, and they skied about three and half miles that day and about three miles on the first.

I swear, it doesn't matter how we travel we ALWAYS look like the Clampits!!!

I think there might be room for one more! Hauling the kids after our ski to the second cabin.

This cabin we stayed at for two nights and it was beautiful. It was at the top of this hill so you could look out and see all the mountains for miles. The kids enjoyed having more time to hang out and play in the snow.

The trail up to the cabin make for a great sledding, snowboarding hill.

Hayden was a hoot, he loved being outside and had to walk every where. He never wanted to ride in the sled because he always wanted to walk and explore. He wasn't afraid of anything and would go anywhere. Canyon, on the other hand, we were lucky if we could get him to take two steps. He loved to be outside but wanted to be held or carried.

The three cutest, funniest, most wonderful boys a girl could ever ask for!

The two most beautiful, wonderful daughters a mom could ask for!

The view of the mountains and alpenglow from our cabin the second and third nights.

On our third day we went for a family ski since there was no hauling of gear that needed to be done. Jeff told the girls that we could build a fire, but since the snow was waist deep as soon as you stepped off the trail we had to build it right next to it. Again, Hayden in the purple wanting to walk everywhere and Canyon happy sitting in Jeff's lap. The girls drinking hot chocolate, we never went anywhere without it!

Canyon loved the snow machine and on that third day Jeff took the girls and went for a ride and then came back and took the boys and I. I was driving and at one point was trying to miss some ice and my front ski went off the trail and immediately sunk. I was going slow at the time and we tipped over. Jeff was able to hold Hayden out of the snow but Canyon was riding in front of me and when we tipped his face went right in the snow. He was such a good sport though and when I lifted him up he could care less that he had snow all over his face. Instead, as soon as he saw that the snow machine was tipped over he kept pointing and saying up oh. Way to go Mom!

Boys on a sled ride. Hayden in front, Canyon in back

The boys did great in the cabin and never got near the fire. They were so cute though and when we would come inside after being outside they would get as close as they dared and bend over with their hands out to get them warm. I tried to get the picture when they were both doing it but only managed to get Canyon.

A family picture before our final departure on our last day. I was happy because when we were getting ready to leave I asked the girls if they had a choice would they rather be going home right now or to another cabin, and they both said to another cabin. We all had a great time and are looking forward to next year when we can do it again, and possibly for longer and see some more cabins.

Good bye While Mountains and Eleazar's cabin until next year!

Boy Oh Boys

Here is a pirate cake I made for my friend's little boy Reid, for his birthday. It was fun to FINALLY make a boy cake and to get practiced up. These two little munch mouths below will be 2 in June!

Our sweet little Hayden, trouble minimal, who is always smiling and always keeping us in the hospital. In again this past weekend with RSV and his asthma, doing fine now tho!

Then there's Canyon. Our forever trouble maker, goof ball, comedian, sweetness minimal, and the funniest little boy with more personality then you will ever meet!

My two little munch mouths always want to eat when you don't want to feed them and then never want to eat when you do. One thing is for sure though, they love their fruits! The other odd thing is that despite them eating ALL the time they are still sooooo little. Hayden only weighs 19 pounds and Canyon 21. All the other kids their age, including the girls, tower over them and look twice as big. Hopefully it's just a twin thing and they'll get their growth spurt. They sure don't let their size get in the way though, they have no problem taking out, takeling, or fighting any one bigger then they are, including their sisters. It's a crack up to watch, most of the time!

Ice Park 2011

Here are some pictures from our trip to the icepark this year. We went with our friends Jess and Jim from Denali and their daughter Kate and a good friend, Shelia, who was visiting from Boston. A cold, good time was had by all!

Jeff going down the slide with the boys

Butterfly Ali

Saige on the fish slide

Canyon, not sure if he really wants to move!

Hayden, on the other hand, wanted to go down every slide over and over again!

Kiddos

In Montana we went on a hike with my sister in law, Mindy and cousins Tate and Dillon. Along the way Saige, who was riding in the sled holding Canyon, layed down and fell asleep and Canyon fell asleep on top of her. They rode like this for almost an hour. Quite funny. Speaking of funny, here are some pics of our very crazy, funny boys below!

20 months old! Hayden then Canyon

A Long Awaited Day

Here are a few more pics of our time outside, and one of the highlights of Jeff and my time. My mom, bless her heart, was brave enough to watch all the kids for the day so Jeff and I could go skiing at one of our favorite places, Harriman State Park in Idaho. We had such a wonderful time just skiing and enjoying the beauty and peace (in more ways then one). It was so refreshing to be able to just go and ski, and ski as long and as fast as we wanted. We have squeezed in a few good skis behind our house since being back, so this wasn't the last, but it was a wonderful time and so fun to be together doing what we love.

My Hubba Hubby on Skis

It was a cloudy day but still beautiful

My favorite ski partner and I

When we got down to the river it was amazing! There were HUNDREDS of swans and geese in this short section of the river. They were beautiful to watch and a fun way to end the ski.

A Very Special Day

Probably the biggest highlight of our time outside was the opportunity for Ali to be baptized with so many of our family present. It was a very special day for Ali and for our family. We are so proud of Ali and the choices she has made in her life so far and for her desire to try and be the best example and person she can be. In our church children can be baptized when they turn eight years old. The age our Heavenly Father feels children are old enough to begin to understand right and wrong and can begin to be accountable for their choices. Our church also encourages them to decide for themselves if it is something they should do by praying and asking their Heavenly Father. Ali came back and after praying for several days told us she felt good inside when she prayed about being baptized and felt it was what her Heavenly Father wanted her to do. We are so thankful to have this very special girl in our family .

Our beautiful Ali in her baptism dress before getting baptized.

Ali and her dad, right before the actual baptism and program. It was so special to wait and do it with our family present. She had her uncles give prayers, her Grandma Fleming gave the talk on baptism, her dad performed the baptism, Aunt Kristy sang a beautiful musical number, Grandma May gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, and all of her uncles and grandpas and great grandpa stood in the circle when she was confirmed. It was a wonderful day for our family that was possible because a very sweet eight year old has such a strong desire to do what's right and follow her Savior's example.

A family picture after the baptism.

Our Holiday Outside

We had a wonderful time outside visiting all our fam and enjoying some beautiful sunshine and warmer, part of the time, temps. We spent two weeks with both our families and it was hard to come home, at least for 5 out of the 6 of us! We spent Christmas with Jeff's brother Bret and his family and had some fun times sledding, riding horses, playing at the gym, and goofing off with cousins. We spent new year's at my fam's and it was great because my brother Chad came down with their four kids and Jeff's sister Danette came with her two kids. We had one crazy house full but it was a blast. So fun to spend such great quality time with our families we don't get to see very often. We love you all very much and are grateful for those who traveled to come and be with us! So here are a few pictures recapping some of our great times.
These first ones are from my family in Idaho Ali enjoying ice cream with cousin Jason.

Proud Grandma and Grandpa with most of their grand kids

Baby Tyler, the cutest kid and biggest eyes you will ever see!

Just about as many people as you can fit into one hot tub

Hayden, baby Tyler, and Canyon. They'll be the fearsome threesome in another year when Tyler really gets moving. I apologize now Chad and Kristy for all the trouble I'm sure Canyon and Hayden will get sweet Tyler into.

Sledding at below zero temps! What!!! I thought we were suppose to be getting away from this! I think we all went down the hill twice and as soon as our new sister in law Steph got hurt we figured that was as good excuse as any to call it quits and put us all out of our misery!

My sister in law Angel, her mom crocheted all the girls these adorable dresses and hat and scarves for the boys. What a sweet, wonderful lady!

This is a very special picture for us, which I pray there will be many more, but here is our kids and Nate's kids with their Great (and they truly are GREAT) Grandma and Grandpa Holman and their Great Uncle Brad! Brad who has down syndrome, will turn 50 next month. What a wonderful, special person who has been an absolute blessing to all of our family. Oh the funny stories and experiences we could all share with Brad. We love you big guy!!!

Now these pictures are from our time at Jeff's family

The boys playing with their new toys from Grandma and Grandpa May for Christmas. Their favorite part of Christmas morning was the candy canes. We finally had to give them their plugs in order to get the candy canes away!

Ali has gotten back into a horse phase again and is really into horses. She was so excited to get this book on horses and showed it to everyone. For Ali the highlight of her vacation, other then getting baptized, was one of the days her Grandpa May took her and Jeff on a real horse ride in the mountains. She came back and said that was the best day of her entire life. I'm so thankful for Bruce, Jeff's dad, for taking the time to make his granddaughter's day and a memory I know she will never forget. Her first real horse ride in the mountains with her Grandpa May!

We had a hard time figuring out what to get Saige for Christmas this year. Ali was easy, books and more books, but Saiger hasn't really gotten into reading yet and we were trying to stay clear of the toys so she ended up with some books, games, clothes, and a stationary set. And of course, their box of lucky charms, a tradition handed down from when I was a girl and for Christmas by our stocking we would get our own box of our favorite cereal that mom would never buy for us otherwise.

Santa scored at the May house this year! The girls, with their cousins Marley and Griffin, left Santa two huge plate fulls of food. They first started off with the plate of cookies but then decided he might get a stomach ache with all the cookies so decided to leave him a hot dog, some fruit, and pumpkin bread to balance out his meal. Santa was good and polished it all right down, go Santa!

Pictures of the kids riding the horses around the corral. This was their favorite thing to do and would ask to do it everyday.

Grandpa May leading flashy with Saige and Griffin.

We had a fun family Christmas Eve party with all of Jeff's family that included some yummy food, gift exchanges, and failed slide show presentations on the Savior's Life and Alaska. We made them work the best we could, but not what we had envisioned. Despite, however, we all had a great time together. Here is Ali with Grandma May and cousin Tate.

Part of the clan watching Hunter open his gift and another part of the clan below.

Well, that concludes my brief run down on our wonderful time with family this holiday season. I am so thankful for all our families and the great times and memories we create with all. I am above all, most thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who made it possible for us to live and find happiness and peace in this life and to be with our wonderful familes not just in this life, but forever.